Aer Lingus Pilots Vote Yes on Strike

An overwhelming majority (99%) of Aer Lingus pilots have again voted in favour of strike action, signalling significant unrest within the airline’s workforce.

This decision came after a paper ballot was conducted by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) following concerns raised by Aer Lingus about the integrity of an initial electronic ballot.

In the first electronic vote, 97.7% of the pilots supported industrial action. However, Aer Lingus questioned the electronic voting process’s reliability, prompting IALPA to hold a second vote using paper ballots, which resulted in an even stronger mandate for strike action.

The exact timing of the strike remains uncertain, with pilots reportedly planning to announce it as late as possible to maximize pressure on Aer Lingus. This strategy will cause significant operational disruptions and increase the union’s negotiation leverage.

IALPA has stated it will not comply with Aer Lingus’ request for a 15-day notice before any strike action. Instead, the union will adhere to the legally required minimum of seven days’ notice. This shorter notice period could compel Aer Lingus to pay substantial compensation to affected passengers due to the short lead time for flight disruptions.

Captain Mark Tighe, president of IALPA, described the result of the second ballot as an “incredible reaffirmation” of their mandate for industrial action. He criticized Aer Lingus management for attempting to undermine the pilots’ democratic right to vote, arguing that such actions have only intensified the pilots’ determination.

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Aer Lingus pilots demand a 23.8% pay increase to restore their purchasing power to 2019 levels. Captain Tighe highlighted that Aer Lingus reported a significant profit of €225 million in 2023, representing a 400% increase from the previous year, underscoring the airline’s financial capability to meet the pilots’ demands.

The union’s pay increase demand is modelled after British Airways pilots secured a 24% pay rise in 2019. This precedent is being used to strengthen the legitimacy of their current demands.

Previously, the pilots rejected a Labour Court proposal that suggested a 9.25% pay increase over two years. Considering the current economic conditions and the airline’s strong financial performance, the union deemed this offer insufficient.

Aer Lingus has described the union’s pay demands as “outrageous,” arguing that agreeing to them would result in senior pilots earning just under €350,000 annually. The airline contends that such a significant pay increase is unrealistic and financially unsustainable.

Captain Tighe emphasized that Aer Lingus’ substantial profit margins demonstrate the airline’s ability to afford the requested pay increases. The union argues that adequately compensating pilots is essential for maintaining a motivated and effective workforce, ensuring high operational standards and passenger satisfaction.

The potential strike action and the union’s strategy to provide only the minimum notice period will likely cause significant disruptions for passengers, who may face last-minute cancellations and delays. This scenario could lead to substantial compensation costs for Aer Lingus, further straining the airline’s and its pilots’ relationship.

The overwhelming support for strike action highlights the strong unity and determination among Aer Lingus pilots. According to Captain Tighe, the pilots are more committed than ever to achieving their demands, especially in light of Aer Lingus’ attempts to challenge the voting process.

Aer Lingus’ strategy to question the integrity of the electronic ballot appears to have backfired, resulting in an even stronger mandate for strike action from the pilots. The airline now faces a workforce that is more unified and resolved than before.

The ongoing dispute between Aer Lingus and its pilots underscores broader issues of labour relations and fair compensation within the airline industry. The outcome of this conflict will have significant implications for the parties directly involved and the industry as a whole, potentially setting a precedent for future negotiations and labour actions.

As Aer Lingus pilots prepare for potential strike action, the airline’s and its passengers’ stakes are high. With the union standing firm on its demands and the airline resisting, the coming days will be crucial in resolving this high-stakes industrial dispute.